The Beatles are an iconic British rock band from Liverpool that has been active since the early 60’s and immensely popular since then. Now a days, the surviving members of the Beatles that are alive are Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison’s widow Olivia and George’s son Dhani Harrison. Throughout their career, they have sold over 600 million records worldwide and became a part of music history.
Paul McCartney is the oldest surviving Beatle and the most successful. He was born on June 18, 1942, making him 78 years old today. After the Beatles, McCartney went on to have a successful solo career and he is as active as ever despite his age. He has recently released a new single My Valentine with the help of Eric Clapton.
Ringo Starr, the drummer of the Beatles, was born on July 7, 1940 and is 80 years old today. Even after the Beatles breakup, Ringo continued having success as a solo artist and as a collaborator with various other star artists like Elton John and Jeff Lynne. He released his 20th solo album Give More Love in 2017 and embarked on the All Starr Band tour in 2018.
Olivia Harrison, George Harrison’s widow, was born on May 18th 1948 and is 72 years old today. After his death in 2001, she and their son Dhani Harrison started The George Harrison Fund for UNICEF to help children in need. She was also successful in maintaining the integrity of George’s solo music catalog and she produced the 2006 Martin Scorsese documentary George Harrison: Living in the Material World.
Dhani Harrison, the only son of George and Olivia, was born on August 1,1978 and is now 42 years old. He is a successful musician, producer and entrepreneur. He produced the acclaimed movie Brazilionaire:The succe$$ and controversy of Eike Batista and he also founded the futuristic company Hair Metrics, Inc. which focuses on emerging technologies.
Impact of Longevity
The surviving members enjoy a certain kind of longevity that is far beyond what regular rock star figures could generate since their talent and fame has established itself in popular culture. For example, Paul McCartney accepted an honorary doctorate from Yale University in 2018 and Ringo has been playing at the same club in Los Angeles, The Playboy Club, every year since 1997. The father-son duo of George and Dhani Harrison were also nominated for a Grammy Award for the classical composition For You Blue.
Moreover, they also have the advantage of two generations worth of experience in the music industry, making it less risky for them to create and promote new music. Paul McCartney has maintained a stable presence throughout the years with his performances at festivals around the world. Additionally, Ringo’s All Starr Band tour and Olivia’s efforts as the steward of George’s music and legacy, have all kept the Beatles alive in the collective memory of music fans.
Changing Timeless Music
The music of the Beatles has been regarded as timeless, but the surviving members still find ways to update their music and keeping it relevant. For example, Paul McCartney’s latest single Who Cares, a powerful ballad, was reworked as a studio version that featured some violin solos from the legendary Sir Paul. Similarly, Ringo Starr recently covered the Beatles song Helter Skelter and released it as a single that included an alternative version made in collaboration with Don Was.
But it is not just music. Today, the surviving members continue to look for ways of creating meaningful experiences that go beyond simple music shows. In 2018, Paul McCartney returned to the iconic Abbey Road Studios for a special recording session that featured some very talented school kids from China.
Preservation of the Beatles Legacy
The surviving members of the Beatle are also deeply committed to the preservation of their collective music legacy. For example, in 2018 Paul McCartney partnered with two virtual reality companies to release some 360° videos and virtual reality experiences of some recent performances. Similarly, Olivia Harrison has secured that George’s work is still remembered and appreciated, free from any distortions.
But the biggest legacy the surviving Beatles have created is the cultural sense of nostalgia and the impact of their music. Today, the Beatles’ influence on music is still strong. From new musicians covering their classic songs to movies that reference them, the Beatles continue to impact everyday life.
Modernization Across Music and Media
The surviving members of the Beatles remain active in both the music industry and the media. They continue to attract a younger fan base with the unique formula of their songs that is unlike any other artist. The success of their albums proves the power of their influence. For example, The Beatles recently released the 50th Anniversary edition of the iconic Abbey Road album which was the first ever music record to be certified with an 8x platinum award.
Furthermore, their presence in the media is also a testament to their continued success. Their influence and image is used in various movies and television shows, ranging from small independent productions to large-scale international productions. Even the latest Star Wars movies show evidence of the Beatles’ presence in popular culture.
Conclusion
It is hard to deny the impact that the surviving members of the Beatles have made on today’s music industry. They have managed to keep their music alive and relevant even after forty years. The success of their albums and the presence of their influence in the media are a testament to their continued impact on popular culture. The surviving members have made it possible for younger generations to appreciate and enjoy the Beatles’ legacy as well.
